by Brett Favre: A Gunslinger’s Most Memorable Games
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Brett Favre was one of the NFL’s most prolific and entertaining quarterbacks during his nearly 20 year career. Known for his cannon arm, fearlessness, and clutch play in big moments, Favre produced countless memorable performances. While he played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings over his career, some of his most dramatic and impactful games came during his 16 seasons in Green Bay. Let’s take a look back at some of Brett Favre’s most memorable matchups.
1995 NFC Divisional Playoffs: Packers 27, 49ers 17
This playoff game against the defending Super Bowl champion 49ers marked Favre’s true arrival on the national stage. In just his third season, Favre was starting to establish himself but was still relatively unknown compared to legends like Joe Montana and Steve Young. Playing at frigid Lambeau Field, Favre got off to a slow start against the dominant Niners. He threw an interception on his first pass attempt and the Packers trailed 13-3 at halftime.
However, Favre began to heat up in the second half. He led the Packers on a long touchdown drive to cut the lead to 13-10. Then, after the defense forced a three-and-out, Favre struck again with a 55-yard bomb to Robert Brooks to give Green Bay their first lead of the game at 17-13. His gritty play in the face of adversity showed he was capable of leading dramatic comebacks even against elite competition. Favre finished with 201 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers pulled off the upset to advance to the NFC Championship. This established Favre as a rising star and cemented his reputation as a big-game quarterback.
1996 NFC Championship Game: Packers 30, Panthers 13
The following season, Favre led the Packers back to the NFC title game after another playoff win over the 49ers. This time, they were hosting the upstart Carolina Panthers, who were in just their second year of existence. Favre was masterful from the start, completing his first nine passes for 120 yards to help Green Bay jump out to a quick 17-3 lead. He spread the ball around effectively and didn’t commit any turnovers.
In the second half, Favre continued picking apart the Panthers defense. He hit Antonio Freeman for a 55-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 23-6. Favre finished with 222 yards passing and two touchdowns without an interception. His poised, accurate performance propelled the Packers to their first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade, where they would go on to defeat the New England Patriots. This victory established Favre as a true championship-caliber quarterback.
1999- Week 1: Packers 31, Bears 24 (Monday Night Football)
One of the most anticipated season openers in recent memory, this 1999 Monday Night Football showdown between the Packers and Bears at Lambeau Field did not disappoint. These NFC North rivals always brought out the best in each other and Favre seemed to elevate his game against Chicago. The game was back-and-forth throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the fourth quarter.
With the Packers trailing 24-23 late, Favre led a clutch drive deep into Bears territory. On third down from the Bears 9-yard line, Favre dropped back and heaved a prayer downfield that was caught by receiver Robert Brooks for a dramatic 99-yard touchdown. It was the longest play in Monday Night Football history at the time and gave the Packers a thrilling come-from-behind victory to start the season. Favre’s legendary arm and willingness to take big risks defined this classic game and rivalry showdown.
2007- Week 16: Packers 34, Vikings 28 (Overtime)
In his later Packers career, Favre continued delivering in huge moments. In Week 16 of 2007, the Packers hosted the Vikings in a game with major playoff implications. Favre got off to a slow start but began to heat up in the second half. Green Bay took a 28-27 lead late but the Vikings kicked a field goal to force overtime.
In overtime, Favre led the Packers down the field on the opening drive. Then, on third down, he lofted a pass deep down the left sideline to receiver Donald Driver. Driver made an acrobatic catch for a 35-yard touchdown. The throw gave Favre his 500th career touchdown pass and pushed his career passing yards total over Fran Tarkenton to become the NFL’s all-time leader. Favre had broken yet another significant record in the clutch during a vintage performance. His late-game heroics helped the Packers take control of the NFC North race.
2009- Week 1: Vikings 30, Browns 10
In a highly anticipated return to Lambeau Field the following season, Favre was now starting for the division rival Vikings. Emotions were running high amongst Packers fans who had seen Favre as the face of the franchise for so long. Favre seemed determined to stick it to his old team and didn’t disappoint. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns to lead Minnesota to a convincing victory over the Browns.
While the win came against Cleveland and not Green Bay, Favre’s performance in his Vikings debut reminded everyone he was still playing at an elite level. It was a cathartic experience for him to find success against another team just days after his messy breakup with the Packers. Favre proved once again he was one of the greatest clutch performers in NFL history by delivering in his first high-profile game with a new team at age 40.
Beyond these highlighted games, Favre had many other incredible performances throughout his career. In the 1995 season alone, he led fourth quarter comebacks against the Bengals, Lions, and Raiders. In later Packers seasons, games like a Week 3 matchup against the Vikings in 2003 that saw 6 total lead changes and a classic overtime victory over the Raiders in 2002 stand out.
With the Jets in 2008, a Monday night shootout against the Cardinals that saw Favre throw for six touchdowns is worth mentioning. He even had clutch moments with the Vikings like a comeback win over the 49ers in 2009 and leading dramatic drives to beat the Cowboys and Packers that same season. Favre simply seemed to elevate his game and make memorable plays when the stakes were highest.
Over 20 NFL seasons, Brett Favre established himself as one of the toughest and most thrilling quarterbacks to play the game. Whether it was his fearless gunslinging style, never-say-die attitude, or knack for last second heroics, Favre left it all on the field. He gave fans countless unforgettable performances throughout his career, but especially during his time leading the Green Bay Packers to success. Favre’s clutch gene and ability to shine on the grandest stages is why he’ll always be remembered as one of the greats among Packers fans and football fans everywhere.
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